Air conditioning
Air conditioning is the maintenance of an occupied space within chosen environmental parameters, providing heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. A common methodology is to heat to 21°C and to cool to 24°C , the process generally considered as “comfort cooling”.
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BREEAM
BREEAM is the world's longest established and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. It sets the standards for best practice in sustainable development and measures achievement.
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Building Design & Building Services
The design of a building has an influence on the costs incurred during the life of the building. Building services can account for between 20% and 60% of the capital cost of a building and 50% of the operating costs for a typical office (source; BSRIA, 2002).
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The Code For Sustainable Homes
The Code for Sustainable Homes, which has superseded EcoHomes, was launched by the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) and went ‘live’ on 10th April 2007. It is based on BRE's environmental assessment method for housing, with mandatory performance levels set in key areas.
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Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering encompasses a whole host of systems within modern buildings, including...
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Energy Efficiency
An energy efficient building provides the required internal environment and services with minimum energy use in a cost effective and environmentally sensitive manner. There is therefore no conflict between energy efficiency and comfort, and it should be combined with other aspects of sound engineering practice.
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Energy Performance Certificates
Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and Council, on the energy performance of buildings, came into force on 4 January 2003 and requires Energy Performance Certificates for all EU buildings.
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Heating
Radiators - Heat the room through a combination of radiation and convection, they are simple and compact. Little maintenance is required and they allow good temperature control.
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Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development is the achievement of a better quality of life through the efficient use of resources, which realise continued social progress while maintaining stable economic growth and caring for the environment.
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Thermal Modelling
Thermal modelling enables you to determine the thermal performance of a building at the design stage. Using computer software you can design, construct and occupy a building – test drive its performance!
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Ventilation
Ventilation can be described as the deliberate act of providing air movement in an occupied space. In addition to basic air movement, fresh air is required to sustain the occupants and dilute odours. In the winter time ventilation systems may employ the minimum amount of fresh air required to fulfil these functions.
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